Protecting Summit County: A Community-Wide Call to Action for Wildfire Mitigation & Emergency Services Support
Summit County residents have always prided themselves on the beauty of our mountain home, but with that beauty comes real and growing risks. Fire Chiefs Drew Hoehn and Jay Nelson of Summit Fire & EMS (Red, White & Blue) recently shared key insights with our real estate community on the urgent challenges facing our fire districts and why local support is more critical than ever.
Why the Ballot Measures Matter
Emergency services in Summit County are facing an upcoming budget deficit. For the first time since 2006, Red, White & Blue Fire is asking voters to approve property tax adjustments to sustain vital programs. They’ve long relied on reserve funds to keep operations running—but those reserves are now depleted.
The proposed tax measures are designed to:
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Maintain life-saving services and top-tier emergency response.
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Fund wildfire mitigation efforts to protect our homes, forests, and infrastructure.
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Provide fair and competitive compensation for emergency personnel.
Chief Hoehn emphasized that this is not just a fire department issue—it’s a community investment in long-term sustainability.
Nationally Recognized Excellence in Our Backyard
Summit County’s EMS team is among the best in the country. Red, White & Blue Fire is one of only 17 dual-accredited fire departments in the U.S. out of more than 30,000 nationwide. Their "Pit Crew" CPR approach has achieved a 40% cardiac save rate, quadrupling the national average of 10%. Add to that a 99.9% patient satisfaction rating and protection of over $20 billion in real property, and it’s easy to see the value this department brings.
Wildfire Risk is Rising—So Must Our Readiness
Recent years have shown that wildfires are burning faster, hotter, and at higher elevations. Fire departments across Colorado are sounding the alarm—and it's not just for dramatic effect.
Grand County's struggle to recover after their devastating 2020 East Troublesome Dire was a sobering lesson. And with Colorado facing multi-billion dollar issues annually from fire, hail, and floods, the time to invest in mitigation is now.
There are still no laws requiring wildfire mitigation in Summit County, meaning proactive, voluntary community action is vital.
Free wildfire mitigation assessments are available through Summit Fire. Sellers must request these evaluations (buyers cannot), and they are a powerful marketing tool for real estate listings. For assistance or to schedule a visit, email: [email protected] OR https://www.summitfire.org/free-wildfire-preparation-and-defensible-space-consultations
New code updates coming in 2026 will emphasize the 0–5 foot zone around homes—the most important area to keep non-combustible to prevent structure fires from embers. Simple steps like weed-whacking grass under 6 inches and removing flammable landscaping make a huge difference. (Need a weed whacker? The Breckenridge fire station has loaners available for free!)
Understanding the Insurance Landscape
Insurance challenges are adding pressure to both homeowners and HOAs:
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Sprinkler systems are a major concern—many older properties lack the systems carriers want.
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Grills, wood roofs, and outdated plumbing/electrical systems are red flags.
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Wildfire risk assessments vary from one carrier to another—there’s no national standard.
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Water damage and aging infrastructure (especially in condos) are making it harder and more expensive to get coverage.
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Some HOAs are even splitting buildings to improve insurability.
Looking Ahead: WUI-Insurance Alignment & Community Solutions
Vail Fire Chief Mark Novak shared that a new pilot program, WUI-Insurance Alignment, is launching soon. This effort will standardize the wildfire mitigation efforts that truly matter—providing property owners with certifications that can be shared directly with insurance providers. It’s a promising step toward more transparent and effective insurance practices.
Another solution coming in late 2025 is the Colorado FAIR Plan, a state-backed insurance option for homeowners denied coverage by private insurers. However, it’s limited in scope ($750,000 max), more expensive, and meant as a temporary fix—not a long-term solution.
Get Involved: Resources & Contacts
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Ballot Information: RWBFIRE.org – Visit the election section
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Mitigation Assessments: [email protected]
- Summit Fire & EMS: https://www.summitfire.org/wildfire-information
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Routt County Wildfire Council: routtwildfire.org
Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, or community member, we each play a role in protecting Summit County.
